The following is a posting by Balzac over on the mini2 board.

The dates in question are the 2nd & 3rd of October.

I have a slot on the 2nd.

As Balzac asked, has anybody else gotten a slot??????:smile: :smile: :smile:

 

Though I use Towson for service, I bought my MINI in Chicago so I am persona non gratis for the event... I'd love to go to the track, but I'm not invited!


They seem nice enough and I like the main MINI service advisor Wayne, but every time I call I get a different story about loaner cars. Had the same problem with scheduling -- I called and made an appointment, a few days later I called to confirm & was told they don't take appointments and then on the third phone call I was finally told they do schedule but "unofficially" and only for folks like me who are coming from a distance. Seems they could get their story straight! I wish those in customer service could remember how frustrating things like that are from the other side.

If you use Towson, try to get Wayne to help you. The thing I like best about him is that when you're frustrated and you tell him, he offers a sincere apology first and really trys to help you out. So many people try to tell you why things went wrong and get defensive first. I'm so happy when a company says "We're sorry. How can we fix things?" even when it's not their fault.

 

I heard about this event through the grapevine and shot an e-mail off to them. I did purchase my MINI from them back in April 2002, I now use Sterling for service. Sterling is just much closer, in that I work in northern va. I do know for a fact that Sterling does take appointments and that loaner cars have been available every time I have needed one. While, it has never been a MINI or BMW, the loaners are through Enterprise and they are on site.

The only thing that I can say is ask and mentioned that you are a member of the DCMM. The most that they can say is no. Best of luck

 

The loaners I've had at Towson were through Enterprise as well. Interesting tidbit... Wayne told me that they don't have any MINI loaners anymore. In July (at the factory switchover) they were so low on cars, they pulled & sold their loaners.

I've heard good things about Sterling (and some bad), but I have two issues with going there. The first is that with traffic, it's murder to go that way. Going to Baltimore (when I do) is a reverse commute and consistantly takes an hour. The second is that both times I've called to make appointments with Sterling I was told I would have to wait -- once it was 5 weeks (goodness hopes they don't say that to someone who's car is actually BROKEN! ) and the other was 3.5 weeks. I don't think that's reasonable. I do plan to try them at some point though. Maybe I'll have to figure out how to get there going over White's Ferry to avoid the traffic issue.

BTW, who do you recommend dealing with in service at Sterling? Are they MINI-knowledgeable?

Anyhow, thanks for the advice...:smile:

Deb

 

Deb

I go to Towson for service. Have always dealt just with Wayne. Usually just by e mail and generally he lets me bring the car in just about anytime I want too.

Twice I've gotten a MINI loaner and the other two times I needed a loaner it was through Enterprise. He never had a problem setting me up with one as long as I told him right up front that I did not want to wait and needed a loaner. (Of course, two times I had no choice - they had to keep the car!)

 

Hey Paddy,
I bought my car at Towson! I'd go for both days and make a weekend of it. Can you post the email you sent and the address you sent it?
Mike

 

You need a navigator for the 3rd?? D'oh! Guess you already have one... LOL Darn! I wanna go!

 

I have requested a slot and am awaiting a followup.

 

I am in!

They are estimating a total of 90 minutes of track time on three different tracks. How very kewl!

 

I believe that we will be on the Jefferson circuit and maybe the skid pad. Both should be a lota fun. :smile:

Driving up early Saturday morning bright & early. . . . .

 

I was told all three tracks, but my source was not real confident about any of the details, having just taken over the assignment.

Gotta be there @ 645am, so I plan to sample one of the many fine hotels in the Charles Town area. It is less than 70 miles from DC, but getting out of this town is always fun, especially when you have no idea how to find your destination.

 

I have driven this track in the past and although I did not buy at Towson I would think that Towson would welcome other MINI owners as spectators. Usually on club days it is not hard to get in for free. Especially if you are in a MINI. Anyone know anything along these lines?

 

I cannot see any reason that they would not allow specators. I have worked 2 BMW events and there were "other" people there. Come on up, the worst that could happen is that they say no, but that would be real bad PR.:smile:

 

I talked with Marc & Chuck up at Mini of Towson yesterday and found out that a tech/safety inspection is required of ALL MINI's being driven during this school. The tech/Safety inspection MUST be completed within 2 weeks prior to the event. The list of items checked is about one & half pages and should not be a problem for any one to pass. Requested arrival time @Summit Point is 0645 and at that point the "day of tech/safety inspection" will be done.

To receive the required forms give MINI of Towson a call.

 

Professional race car drivers? I don't think so.
3 tracks? The Shenandoah is not completed. I would not want to see a zero time student on it anyway.

Skid pad on a FWD car is going to be boring but useful to demonstrate DSC on/off and what will happenon snow and rain.

If they are on the Jeff, that will be a good experience.
But please, flush your brake fluid!

The last time I was at VIR I saw a Mini and he was complaining about a mushy brake pedal. His brake fluid was black!
Brake fluid should look like apple juice. Amber in color if using DOT fluid.

Those with runcraps, be careful. I find they don't have a helluva lot of grip in the turns.

Have fun and listen to your instructor.
Be safe, learn and have fun. In that order.

For those spending the night. Winchester has a better choice of motels than Charles Town.

 

Having spent most of yesterday driving to MINI of Towson and back, via White's Ferry on the way home... I am ready to take a turn on the track in the MINI. Towson even repaired my wearing hood latches and gave me new wiper blades!

To all, and I say this from experience... if you want to watch the MINIs, either Saturday or Sunday, please come up! Even if you aren't signed up to drive, it should be a fun and educational experience. When I find myself with nothing to do on a Weekend, or even a Friday, I often drive up to Summit Point to watch the driver schools.

For those of you who have not been to the track, it's easy to reach. Head west on Route 7 from Tyson's Corner, VA. Bypass Leesburg, and take a right onto Rt 9. Follow Rt 9 to Charlestown. Turn left at the light in the town and go all the way to the end. When the road bends to the right, go straight onto SUmmit Point Road. Follow Summit Point Road eight miles or so and you will see the track on the left hand side. Please drive slowly on the grounds, and keep in mind that some tracks areas are reachable only via dirt roads and paths. Ask the guy in the booth on the way in where the BMW/MINI of Towson event is being held, and he will direct you.

Hope to see some folks up there! I'll be doing the Sunday class.
Mike

 

See you peeps there on Sunday. Just greased up the tires, should be fun.

Maybe I'll even wear a little name tag.

Marty

 

Wow. Just wow.

 

We had a great time. We would definitely do it again. What a blast!

Anita
Electric Blue MCS
White Bonnet Stripes